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Ian W. Sainsbury
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The Last Of The First (Halfhero Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Ian W. Sainsbury (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,034 ratings

★★★★★"Brilliant plot, especially in the world's current climate."★★★★★

The conclusion of the Amazon and Audible bestselling Halfhero series.

When The Deterrent comes out of hiding and kidnaps the titans, it triggers the biggest manhunt in history.

On one side, the military might of the United States and Air Commodore Fiona Bardock, Britain’s most talented investigator.

On the other, three halfheroes, one human, and a puddle of slime.

Daniel Harbin hopes to get through this alive and track down the children he never knew existed. What no one realises is they’re about to confront the greatest danger of all.

★★★★★"A beautiful look at humanity."★★★★★

★★★★★"An essential read for any fan of science fiction."★★★★★

★★★★★"Ian W Sainsbury could well be the 21st century equivalent of Arthur C Clarke."★★★★★

★★★★★"If you like the works of Charley Stross, Neil Gaiman, people of that ilk, give this a go."★★★★★

★★★★★"One of those truly rare authors whose books are very difficult to put down until you've read the last page."★★★★★
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  1. Book 3 of 3
    Halfhero
  2. Print length
    318 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 10, 2018
  5. File size
    1.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born at an early age, Ian W Sainsbury quickly learned to talk about himself in the third person, meaning a career in the arts was all but inevitable. In 1987, he ran away from university to join the circus, playing in a band providing accompaniment for monkeys riding on pigs.

Finding it hard to match such early success, Ian played piano on cruise ships before spending over a decade singing in European piano bars. He also ran (and still does) a choir or two, singing pop stuff in a pub.

The next career move was obvious, and no one was surprised when Ian spent five years as a stand-up comic. He also began writing music and material for ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, including co-writing Zerdin’s Vegas show in 2016.

After music, circuses, puppets, comedy and choirs, Ian pooled his earnings to date and was able to buy a palatial two-man tent and a skateboard. It was at this point that he decided the world might be ready for a novel or two.

Since The World Walker appeared on Amazon in 2016, Ian has—to his amazement—found he is one of those people who does what he loves for a living without having to sell a kidney.

He lives in East Anglia with Mrs S, two daughters and a flatulent dog.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07G7F7ZBW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (August 10, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 10, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,034 ratings

About the author

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Ian W. Sainsbury

Ian W. Sainsbury

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Winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2019 for The Picture On The Fridge

Born at an early age, Ian W Sainsbury quickly learned to talk about himself in the third person, meaning a career in the arts was all but inevitable. In 1987, he ran away from university to join the circus, playing in a band providing accompaniment for monkeys riding on pigs.

Finding it hard to match such early success, Ian played piano on cruise ships before spending over a decade singing in European piano bars. He also ran (and still does) a choir or two, singing pop stuff in a pub.

The next career move was obvious, and no one was surprised when Ian spent five years as a stand-up comic. He also began writing music and material for ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, including co-writing Zerdin’s Vegas show in 2016.

After music, circuses, puppets, comedy and choirs, Ian pooled his earnings to date and was able to buy a palatial two-man tent and a skateboard. It was at this point that he decided the world might be ready for a novel or two.

Since The World Walker appeared on Amazon in 2016, Ian has—to his amazement—found he is one of those people who does what he loves for a living without having to sell a kidney.

He lives in East Anglia, UK, with Mrs S, two children, and a flatulent dog.

Email ianwsainsbury@gmail.com, and/or visit ianwsainsbury.com

(Thanks for reading - I've loved reading all my life, and my ambition is to write the kind of books that readers can get lost in. Ian.)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,034 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and thoroughly captivated by the characters, with a satisfying ending to the story. They appreciate its creativity, with one customer noting its engaging storytelling style.

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11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a good read and part of a series they love, with one customer noting it kept them totally involved.

"Very good series with a very satisfying ending. I would like to read more and will see what else the author has written." Read more

"...(even for science fiction) and a draw you along style that kept me totally involved." Read more

"This was a good read with many surprises and provided a great way to wrap up the series...." Read more

"...Loved the storyline and the characters. It is worth your time. I need to follow this author." Read more

10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it very satisfying and interesting, with one customer highlighting its clever twists and imaginative concepts.

"Very good series with a very satisfying ending. I would like to read more and will see what else the author has written." Read more

"This was an exellent superhero or sci-fi serie, great way to finish the story about Daniel and his friends and their fight against an ancient enemy..." Read more

"...It had a satisfying ending, but since i enjoyed it so much, of course I did not want it to end and selfishly wish there was just one more volume!" Read more

"...The stories are unique, the writing engaging, editing smooth. So easy to get lost in. And his author notes at the end are fun to read as well...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers are thoroughly captivated by the characters in the book, with one customer describing it as an excellent superhero or sci-fi series.

"This was an exellent superhero or sci-fi serie, great way to finish the story about Daniel and his friends and their fight against an ancient enemy..." Read more

"...I've read two of his series and am solidly hooked. Great believable characters, realistic scenarios (even for science fiction) and a draw you along..." Read more

"I read this series in a few slow days at work. Loved the storyline and the characters. It is worth your time. I need to follow this author." Read more

"...not major league (yet), but the story telling and character development is far from average and I have not been able to swap writer - something I..." Read more

4 customers mention "Creativity"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the creativity of the book, with one noting its engaging style and another describing it as lovely.

"...realistic scenarios (even for science fiction) and a draw you along style that kept me totally involved." Read more

"...words, very similar to before mentioned writers, he his down to earth, humble and likable. If you keep writing - I’ll keep reading!..." Read more

"I really enjoy reading this author's books. Creative, imaginative, and addicting. A greay ending, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait for what's new" Read more

"Super, smashing, great, lovely!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting that the author's notes at the end are fun to read.

"Here I go again. Another great author I am going to HAVE TO find time to follow. Ian W. Sainsbury!..." Read more

"...Us, because I appreciate the writers words, very similar to before mentioned writers, he his down to earth, humble and likable...." Read more

"...The stories are unique, the writing engaging, editing smooth. So easy to get lost in. And his author notes at the end are fun to read as well...." Read more

"This series is quite well written. Sainsbury does something that is not easy...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • D
    5.0 out of 5 stars well done
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very good series with a very satisfying ending. I would like to read more and will see what else the author has written.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great ending
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was an exellent superhero or sci-fi serie, great way to finish the story about Daniel and his friends and their fight against an ancient enemy with superpowers
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A totally great surprise.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Here I go again. Another great author I am going to HAVE TO find time to follow. Ian W. Sainsbury! I've read two of his series and am solidly hooked. Great believable characters, realistic scenarios (even for science fiction) and a draw you along style that kept me totally involved.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nebulous1
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great ending of a wonderful trilogy!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was a good read with many surprises and provided a great way to wrap up the series. It had a satisfying ending, but since i enjoyed it so much, of course I did not want it to end and selfishly wish there was just one more volume!
    Helpful
     Report
  • arcorabin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I read this series in a few slow days at work. Loved the storyline and the characters. It is worth your time. I need to follow this author.
    Helpful
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  • Carsten Buxbom
    5.0 out of 5 stars A craftman in the making
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up Ian’s first book, some weeks ago and he has been my sturdy companion ever since.
    I am a big Gaiman fan and occasionally enjoy King as well. These past seven books are not major league (yet), but the story telling and character development is far from average and I have not been able to swap writer - something I generally do after 1-3 books of the same author.
    Ian has however kept my interested for more, both in the individual storylines, but also in the “where’s the next project gonna take me/us.
    Us, because I appreciate the writers words, very similar to before mentioned writers, he his down to earth, humble and likable.
    If you keep writing - I’ll keep reading!

    Thanks
    One person found this helpful
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  • Selena
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm no writer
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    So I can't do justice to how much I've enjoyed this series. Let's just say I read on average 5 books a week and have been doing so for years yet have probably only left less than 10 reviews. I have to this time because Ian W. Sainsbury has quickly jumped up to one of my favorite author spots. The stories are unique, the writing engaging, editing smooth. So easy to get lost in. And his author notes at the end are fun to read as well. 😊 You won't go wrong giving any of his books a read.
    Thanks Ian for sharing your imagination with the rest of us.
    Helpful
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  • GOliver
    5.0 out of 5 stars Again something different
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    My book review scoring system. Because Amazon has a 1-5 star rating. I'm going to give one star for each point as follows.
    1. Did I finish it
    2. Did it draw me in
    3. Did it suspend disbelief
    4. Did I care about the characters
    5. Did I think it was written as well as it could be

    Ian writes books with an uncommon viewpoint. I had a little trouble with number 3 on my list, a few things didn't quite line up as I was reading. Mostly however they worked out in the end and it was refreshing to finally figure it out. Well done.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer LYNDL BARRETT
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOUD APPLAUSE!
    Reviewed in Australia on February 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Utterly engaging! Unique story telling! Go Ian Sainsbury! Please keep them coming! Such a wonderful perspective of humanities potential! Love the humour, even had some tears. Fabulous!
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly enjoyable read - again!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    From a purely personal perspective I so enjoy the books forn Ian Sainsbury. As a old crusty Brit, the many referances to places in the UK give this book, and the previous books, a sense of familiarity which adds so much to the depth of the story. How many scfi stories mention Gravesend?
    Having read all of the World Walker series and now the Halfhero series I can genuinely state that I found them all to be an excellent read. Not drawn out or laboured, not buried in technical descriptions. They are far from linear throwing in twists and surprises in the plot and for the characters. The humour that runs through all of the stories is fabulous and so like many conversations I have had, especially at work! And yes I probably would miss my stop if I were reading any of these books on a train or bus, if I used them, bur ploughing down the M1 whilst holding a Kindle is a non starter. If you have never read any of Mr Sainsbury's books then do.
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  • Tyke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I have been anticipating this story since reading the first in the series. It certainly lived up to my expectations.
    I love Ian Sainsbury’s style. Just the right amount of humour running through the whole series. Yes, I am that person who becomes immersed in a book and looses all sense if time! I read this book over two days!
    Somehow, I cannot believe this is the last in the series - or perhaps it is the beginning of another - Maybe The First of the Last. Not wanting to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it, but I hope Ian doesn’t prove me wrong! There are so many interesting new characters in this book that are just begging to be developed!
    Keep up the good work, Ian! I will continue to check Amazon every day in the hope that I might be right! Don’t forget to feed the cat!
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  • Cleggsta...
    4.0 out of 5 stars Smooth reading...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Loving this Trilogy and loved the World Walker books as well, it’s what made me purchase the former.
    Likeable characters, and a smooth writing skill that lets the story flow along, keep it up you have a fan.
    Report
  • Erik1843
    5.0 out of 5 stars More superheroes, more new ideas
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you finished the second book thinking that the third would be all about how Abos and the remaining children free the others of Abos's kind from brainwashed slavery then think again. That does form part of the story, but the bulk of the book deals with new ideas, a new threat and a new hope. It also, finally explains where 'The First' as they start to call themselves, came from. As a hard SF fan, this was the weakest idea in the book, along with the recurrent theme of telepathy, but I'll save any spoilers for the end of the review.

    The writing was as good as ever, good characters, especially Bardock, less contrived plot than book two, less grimness and more humour. The ending was interesting and positive, even though you could see it coming.

    As for the problems. Spoilers ahead. If the First evolved on Earth and had such an advanced, globe-spanning civilisation, which could build spacecraft to take most of their population to other stars, how could those who remained not survive an ice-age without resorting to an extreme form of suspended animation? The only ice age bad enough to have required that would have been the so-called 'snowball Earth, which ended 630 million years ago, before the first signs of complex life. Any later ones left a large and perfectly habitable zone around the equator. If the First evolved before the Edicaran period, why are there no signs of advanced life in the fossil record then, and if after, why could they not have sent just some of their population to other stars whilst the rest retreated between the tropics Either way, you would expect such an advanced, global culture to leave some traces we would find. A civilisation with the technology to build interstellar spacecraft would also have the ability to build self sustaining space colonies orbiting our own sun.

    I would also like to make a plea to SF writers to avoid using the idea of telepathy. It was fine to have the First able to communicate this way, since we do not know how their minds or technology worked, but with modern research on the human brain showing how different any two are at the detailed level, the idea that one brain could just talk to any other, without a long process of study and analysis of exactly how the other brain worked is hardly credible. Even though there have been some crude but successful attempts at 'mindreading', using electrodes implanted into brains, these have to spend a lot of time and effort learning exactly how the neurons respond in order to identify a word or image from a living brain, and none of that learning is transferrable to the next brain, as they are so different. And that is without trying to think of a mechanism which would allow a brain to pick up, discriminate and influence the signals from one brain, from all the surrounding brains, at a distance, considering we have to implant electrodes into the brain to get that level of detail. If the technology of the First was that advanced then they would have had plenty of other options for dealing with an ice age.

    However, this is fiction, and good fiction, so I will not drop a star for scientific gaps no worse than many other great SF novels.
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